Green Spaces can Help Reduce the Symptoms Associated with Dementia

Green spaces have been shown to boost overall health and well being, but did you know that spending time in the greenery of a garden could also relieve some of the symptoms of dementia? A recent study found that having green spaces in care homes helped to reduce symptoms associated with this neurodegenerative disease.

Furthermore, researchers found that green spaces can help to promote relaxation and physical fitness among care residents.

"There is an increasing interest in improving dementia symptoms without the use of drugs. We think that gardens could be benefitting dementia sufferers by providing them with sensory stimulation and an environment that triggers memories. They not only present an opportunity to relax in a calming setting, but also to remember skills and habits that have brought enjoyment in the past," said lead study author Rebecca Whear of the University of Exeter Medical School and supported by the National Institute for Health Research Collaboration for Applied Health Research and Care South West Peninsula (NIHR PenCLAHRC), in a news release.

Though the link between green spaces and dementia therapy is currently understudied, researchers said they hope to combine these findings with previous studies that examine the benefit of gardens on the health issue.

"There's a lot we don't know about how a garden's design and setting influences its ability to affect wellbeing, yet it's clear that these spaces need to offer a range of ways of interacting - to suit different people's preferences and needs. We want to pursue these answers to ensure that care experiences can be maximised for sufferers of dementia, their carers and families," said co-author Dr. Ruth Garside, an expert in evidence synthesis.

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association.